Mounting Systems For Glasses Frames

ABSTRACT

A system for attaching a device to a glasses frame includes a spring clip that applies pressure to two sides of the glasses frame, and a magnet for attaching the device thereto. The device may attach directly to the magnet, or via a slide-on attachment piece. The spring clip may include a spring arm having distal ends that assist the spring clip in applying pressure to the glasses frames.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/278,438, filed May 15, 2014 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/826,822, filed May 23, 2013,and disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in its entiretyherewith.

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to mounting systems used inconjunction with glasses and glasses frames, and particularly mountingsystems for mounting near-eye display systems on glasses frames.

Consumer products including near-eye display systems are becoming morefrequent in the marketplace. Such near-eye display systems typicallymount directly to or are integral with, a glasses frame that include ordo not include actual glasses lenses with the frames.

For example, U.S. Design Patent No. D659,741 (hereinafter the “D'741Patent”) depicts an exemplary glasses frame utilizing an integralmounted near-eye display system. As can be seen in the D'741 Patent, thenear-eye display system mounts directly to the right temple/earpieceportion of the glasses frames. Moreover, U.S. Design Patent No. D664,185(hereinafter the “D'185 Patent”) illustrates a glasses frame, withoutlenses, that include an integrally mounted near-eye display system.

Near-eye display systems, such as those described above, require theconsumer to wear a specific frame that is sold concurrently with thenear-eye display system. Although the D′741 and D'185 patents illustratean integral near-eye display system and glasses frame, the glasses framemay alternatively include a hole for mounting the near-eye displaysystem directly to the frame via a screw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect is described a mounting system having for mounting adevice onto a glasses frame, the mounting system including a frameattachment portion for removably attaching to the glasses frame having aspring clip including a forward portion and a rearward portion,separated in the lengthwise direction, for applying pressure on theglasses frame from a first side of the glasses frame, and a middleportion for applying pressure on the glasses frame from a second side ofthe glasses frame; a magnet for coupling to the device, the magnet beinghoused in a magnet housing, the magnet housing attached to the middleportion of the spring clip; and a pad located between at least part ofthe middle portion and the forward and rearward portion and applyingpressure from the second side.

In another aspect is described a mounting system having a length, width,and height, for mounting a device onto a glasses frame, the mountingsystem including a frame attachment portion for removably attaching tothe glasses frame having: a spring arm including a forward portion and arearward portion separated in the lengthwise direction, each of theforward and rearward portions (i) having two distal ends separated inthe height direction and (ii) attached at a post that applies pressureto the glasses frame from a first side of the glasses frame; a firstspring clip, for wrapping around the glasses frame in both the widthwiseand height directions, insertable into respective first and secondapertures within the forward portion; and, a second spring clip, forwrapping around the glasses frame in both the widthwise and heightdirections, insertable into respective third and fourth apertures withinthe forward portion; wherein, when inserted into the apertures, thespring clips apply pressure from a second side of the glasses frameopposite the first side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure willbe apparent from the more particular description of embodiments, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to the same parts throughout the different figures. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame attachment portion ofa mounting system for mounting a device to a glasses frame, in oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the frame attachment portion ofFIG. 1 mounting a near-eye display, in one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the frame attachment portion of FIG.1 in greater detail.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 1against the glasses frame prior to attachment.

FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 1against the glasses frame prior to attachment.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 1against the glasses frame prior to attachment.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion against theglasses frame after attachment.

FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 1against the glasses frame after attachment.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 1against frame after attachment.

FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of an exemplary frame attachment portionof a mounting system for mounting a device to glasses frame, in analternate embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary spring clip used in conjunction with theframe attachment portion of FIG. 10, in one embodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary clip arm and pads used in conjunction withframe attachment portion of FIG. 10, in one embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary magnet for mounting a device onto amounting system.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary slide-on portion used in conjunction witheither of the mounting systems of FIGS. 1-9 or FIGS. 10-13, and prior toattachment, in one embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts slide-on portion, of FIG. 15, after attachment to amounting system.

FIG. 17 depicts slide-on portion sliding onto magnet and magnet housingof FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 18 depicts magnetic force imparted on slide-on portion when lockedin place on magnet and magnet housing of FIGS. 1-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Conventional near-eye display systems are sold with a set of frames andcannot be mounted to any arbitrary frame. Such systems are undesirableto consumers. Many consumers require particular prescriptions, andcannot utilize the near-eye display system because the system is notsold with prescription lenses. Moreover, if the near-eye display systemwere to allow prescription lenses, the frames available are limited to afew types. Moreover, the use of the near-eye display system must be usedin conjunction with the specific frame. Consumers cannot switch thenear-eye display system to another arbitrary frame (such as a differentpair of glasses, or a pair of sunglasses).

Attachment of Mounting System to Glasses Frame:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame attachment portion100 of a mounting system for mounting a device to a glasses frame 102,in one embodiment. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of frame attachmentportion 100, of FIG. 1, mounting a near-eye display 200, in oneembodiment. FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of frame attachment portion100, of FIG. 1, in greater detail. FIG. 4 depicts a side view of frameattachment portion 100 against frame 102 prior to attachment. FIG. 5depicts a top plan view of frame attachment portion 100, of FIG. 1against frame 102 prior to attachment. FIG. 6 depicts a front view offrame attachment portion 100, of FIG. 1 against frame 102 prior toattachment. FIG. 7 depicts a side view of frame attachment portion 100against frame 102 after attachment. FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view offrame attachment portion 100, of FIG. 1 against frame 102 afterattachment. FIG. 9 depicts a front view of frame attachment portion 100,of FIG. 1 against frame 102 after attachment. FIGS. 1-9 are best viewedtogether with the following description. A mounting system includingframe attachment portion 100 may be utilized to mount a near-eye display200 to glasses frame 102 as illustrated in FIG. 2. As will beappreciated in the art, frame attachment portion 100 may be utilized tomount other objects to glasses frame as well, including but not limitedto mirrors, lights, cameras, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, frame attachment portion 100 is illustrated inan exploded perspective view. Frame attachment portion 100 has a height,a length, and a width, where each characteristic is defined by thelargest dimensioned element, or combination of elements, of frameattachment portion 100 (discussed below). Within the figures, the heightdirection corresponds to the Y-axis, the lengthwise directioncorresponds to the X-axis, and the widthwise direction corresponds tothe Z-axis.

Frame attachment portion 100 includes spring clip 302, pad 304, holdingseat 306, attachment members 308, magnet housing 310 and magnet 312.Spring clip 302, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, is formed to removablyattach to glasses frame 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, spring clip 302removably attaches to the right temple/earpiece of frame 102 (however,it should be appreciated that spring clip 302 may removably attach toother portions of frame 102, such as the left temple/earpiece). Springclip 302 includes a forward portion 318, a rearward portion 320, and amiddle portion 325. Middle portion 325 may be coupled to forward andrearward portions 318, 320 via a top bar 323. Middle portion 325 sitswithin one or more notches 307 within holding seat 306 (as indicated bydashed lines 309.) For example, middle portion 325 includes two bars 327each sitting in a respective notch, and a bottom bar 329 which preventsmiddle portion 325 from sliding out of the notches 307. Althoughillustrated as having two bars and a bottom bar, middle portion 325 mayinclude more or fewer bars (for example, a single bar that sits within asingle notch of the holding seat.) Spring clip 302 may be formed ofmetal, rubber, plastic, or any other material that is capable ofproviding resiliency (as discussed below). Moreover, although not shown,spring clip 302 may include a soft outer covering so as to preventscratching of frame 102.

Holding seat 306 secures to magnet housing 310 via attachment members308, thereby securely affixing spring clip 302, holding seat 306 andhousing 310 together. Attachment members are illustrated as screwsattaching to housing 310 via corresponding threaded apertures 311,however it should be appreciated that housing seat 306 may be affixed tomagnet housing 310 via alternate attachment means including but notlimited to bonding, welding, riveting, or other attachment means knownin the art. Moreover, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments,magnet housing 310 is not needed, and housing seat 306 is attacheddirectly to magnet 312.

In certain embodiments, pad 304 is securely attached to holding seat 306via one or more of the attachment means. Alternatively, pad 304 may beseparate from holding seat 306. In such embodiment, pad 304 may includea protrusion 314 and holding seat 306 may include an opposing intrusion316 in which the protrusion 314 and intrusion 316 align such that pad304 rests against holding seat 306 when frame attachment portion 100 ismounted on glasses frame 102. Pad 304 contacts glasses frame and appliespressure via middle portion 325 of spring clip 302 from an opposing sideof the pressure applied from front and rearward portions of spring clip,as discussed below. Moreover, pad 304 may be made of any suitablematerial, such as rubber, plastic, foam, wood, metal; may be flexibleand/or compressible; and may be any suitable shape as will beappreciated in the art. Optionally, pad 304 is not included and middleportion 325, either directly or via holding seat 306, applies pressureto glasses frame 102.

Frame attachment portion 100 removably attaches to frame 102 via thefeatures of spring clip 302. For example, spring clip 302 is resilientalong the widthwise direction (i.e. along the Z-axis). Moreover, one ormore of forward portion 318 and rearward portion 320 of spring clip 302may each include a lip 319, 321, which may work with top bar portion 323for preventing movement of frame attachment portion 100 along the heightaxis (i.e. the Y-axis) when frame attachment portion 100 is mounted onframe 102. It should be appreciated that forward portion 318 andrearward portion 320 are relative depending on where the frameattachment portion 100 is mounted on glasses frame 102. In one example,lip 319, 321 may be angled such that any height of frame may beaccommodated.

Now referring particularly to FIGS. 4-9, as illustrated, spring clip 302wraps around frame 102 and rests against a first side of frame 102 (i.e.the inner surface of frame 102). Such wraparound of clip is shown withincircles and arrow 402 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6) as compared to clip302 shown within circles 702 (as indicated in FIGS. 7-9). Holding seat306 and pad 304 rest against an opposing side of frame 102 (i.e. theouter surface of frame 102) once attachment portion is mounted toglasses frame 102. The resiliency of spring clip 302 applies pressure oneither side of frame 102 from clip 302 and pad 304 (i.e. between pointsA and A′ of FIG. 9) such that frame attachment portion 100 is removablyattached to frame 102. Moreover, top bar portion 323 and lip portions319 and 321 prevent frame attachment portion 100 from sliding off offrame 102 in the Y direction (i.e. the height direction).

Frame attachment portion 100 provides numerous advantages. For example,frame attachment portion 100 enables exchangeability of frame attachmentportion 100 between multiple pairs of glasses frames 102. Moreover,frame attachment portion 100 allows for mounting on either side ofglasses frames 102. Additionally, frame attachment portion 100 adaptsfor different size characteristics of glasses frames 102. The pressureprovided by spring clip 302 and pad 304 applies to thin frames as wellas thick frames. Further yet, frame attachment portion 100 is capable ofbeing used with any type of glasses frame. Therefore, any near-eyedisplay device, or other device, may be mounted on glasses frame fromdifferent sources (such as designer frames, sunglasses, reading glasses,etc.).

FIG. 10 depicts, in top plan view, an exemplary frame attachment portion1000 of a mounting system for mounting a device to glasses frame 1002,in an embodiment. FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the frame attachmentportion 1000, of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary spring clip 1004used in conjunction with the frame attachment portion 1000, of FIG. 10,in one embodiment. FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary clip arm 1006 and pads1302 used in conjunction with frame attachment portion 1000, of FIG. 10,in one embodiment. FIGS. 10-13 are best viewed together with thefollowing description. Frame attachment portion 1000 includes a height,a length, and a width, each characteristic is defined by the largestdimensioned element, or combination of elements, of frame attachmentportion 1000 (discussed below). For example, the height directioncorresponds to the Y-axis, the lengthwise direction corresponds to theX-axis, and the widthwise direction corresponds to the Z-axis.

Frame attachment portion 1000 includes at least one spring clip 1004, atleast one spring arm 1006 each optionally having a pad 1008 mountedthereon at least one distal end, a magnet housing 1010, and a magnet1012. Magnet housing 1010 and magnet 1012 are similar to magnet housing110 and magnet 112, discussed above, and are attached to spring arms viaan attachment means 1007 (such as a screw, rivet, weld, bond, etc.).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, frame attachment portion1000 includes two spring clips 1004 each comprising a bar that spans atleast a portion of the height of system 1000. Particularly, spring clips1004 are resilient in the height direction such that they provide atension along the Y-axis. Each spring clip 1004 is removably attachableto one or more spring arms 1006.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, pad 1008 optionally attaches to eachrespective distal end of each spring arm 1006 thereby forming anaperture 1009 (i.e. aperture 1009 includes an aperture within the distalend and a pad aperture aligned thereto). In certain embodiments, pads1008 are not included, and spring clip 1004 attaches directly to springarm 1006 via the aperture. Pads 1008 are illustrated as rubber wheels,but are not intended to be limited in scope. As such, pads 1008 may beformed of other materials and other shapes as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. Spring clip 1004 inserts into two of apertures1009, such as one spring clip 1004(1) for the forward apertures, and onespring clip 1004(2) for the rearward apertures.

First spring clip 1004(1) attaches between forward top pad 1008(1) andforward bottom pad 1008(2). Additionally, second spring clip 1004(2)attaches between rear top pad 1008(3) and rear bottom pad 1008(4).Accordingly, each of first and second spring clips 1004 apply pressurebetween points B and B′, thereby securing frame attachment portion 1000to glasses frame 1002. It should be appreciated that in certainembodiments, pads 1008 are not utilized because post 1007 appliespressure against glasses frame 1002 from a first side (i.e. outer side),and each spring clip 1004 applies pressure from a second side opposingthe first side.

In one embodiment, spring clip 1004 additionally applies pressure alongthe Z-axis (or widthwise direction) such that frame attachment portion1000 is stationary on glasses frames 1002 when secured. However, incertain advantageous embodiments, spring arm 1006 applies pressure inthe widthwise direction (or the Z-axis dimension). For example,referring to FIG. 10, when frame attachment portion 1000 is mounted onframe 1002, spring arm 1006 is formed bent towards magnet housing (i.e.away from the glasses frame) in the widthwise direction. Therefore,spring arm 1006 applies pressure via the spring clip 1004. Thus,constant contact is made between spring clip 1004 and glasses frame 1002on an inner surface 1003 of glasses frame 1002; also, constant contactis made between post 1007 and glasses frame 1002 on an outer surface1001 of glasses frame 1002.

FIG. 13 illustrates spring arms 1006 and pads 1008 in greater detail.Spring clips 1004, magnet housing 1010, and magnet 1012 are not depictedin FIG. 13 for clarity of illustration. Spring arms 1006 include two ormore arms that are hinged at a middle point 1302 thereby forming an “X”shape. Although illustrated as two separate arms, more or fewer arms maybe utilized without departing from the scope hereof (for example, fourarms may be hinged at a middle point). In order to mount frameattachment portion 1000 on glasses frame 1002, the distance between eachof pads 1008 is increased or decreased (for example in the heightwisedirection) as indicated by arrow 1304. Once adjusted, spring clips 1004are inserted into apertures 1009 such that constant pressure is appliedbetween pads 1008 and glasses frame 1002, thereby securing frameattachment portion 1000 to glasses frame 1002. In one embodiment, oncesecured, pads 1008 may apply pressure only to a top or bottom surface ofglasses frame 1002. In another embodiment, pads 1008 are slanted shaped(see FIG. 10) such that pressure is applied on both (i) a top or bottomsurface and (ii) an outer surface 1001 of glasses frame 1002.

Frame attachment portion 1000 provides numerous advantages. For example,frame attachment portion 1000 enables exchangeability of frameattachment portion 1000 between multiple pairs of glasses frames 1002.Moreover, frame attachment portion 1000 allows for mounting on eitherside of glasses frames 1002, that is, on the left or righttemple/earpiece portion of glasses frame 1002. Additionally, frameattachment portion 1000 adapts for different size characteristics ofglasses frames 1002. The pressure provided by spring clip 1004 and pads1008 applies to thin frames as well as thick frames. Further yet, frameattachment portion 1000 is capable of being used with any type ofglasses frame. Therefore, any near-eye display device, or other device,may be mounted on glasses frame from different sources (such as designerframes, sunglasses, reading glasses, etc.).

In the embodiments above, magnet 312 and 1012 are illustrated as beingsubstantially flush with magnet housing 310 and 1010, respectively. Suchembodiments are advantageous when utilizing a slide-on mounting portion(discussed below) to mount a device (such as a near-eye display system)to mounting system 100 or 1000. However, alternate embodiments do notutilize a slide-on mounting portion and instead the device attachesdirectly to the magnet.

Attachment of Device to Mounting System:

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary magnet 1400 for mounting a device onto amounting system. Magnet 1400 may insert into magnet housing 310 or 1010,discussed above. Alternatively, magnet 1400 may be formed integral tothe magnet housing—or in other words, the magnet includes apertures,similar to apertures 311 of FIG. 3, for attaching a holding seat,similar to holding seat 306, thereto; or the magnet includes at least aportion of post 1007. Magnet 1400 includes one or more protrusions 1402extending from a base portion 1404. Protrusions 1402 align with one ormore opposing intrusions within the device housing (not shown). When theprotrusions 1402 are inserted into intrusions of the device, the deviceis securely held in place via the magnetic force of magnet 1400. Itshould be appreciated that more or fewer protrusions may be includedwith magnet 1400, and further that the shape of protrusions asillustrated is not intended to be limiting in scope.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary slide-on portion 1500 used in conjunctionwith either of mounting systems 100, of FIG. 1-9, or 1000 of FIGS.10-13, in one embodiment. FIG. 15 shows slide-on portion 1500 prior toattachment to the mounting system. FIG. 16 depicts slide-on portion1500, of FIG. 15, after attachment to mounting system. FIG. 17 depictsslide-on portion 1500 sliding onto magnet 312 and magnet housing 310, ofFIGS. 1-9. FIG. 18 depicts magnetic force 1800 imparted on slide-onportion 1500 when locked in place on magnet 312 and magnet housing 310,of FIGS. 1-9. FIGS. 15-18 are best viewed together with the followingdescription. While FIGS. 15-18 shows slide-on portion 1500 used inconjunction with mounting system 100 of FIGS. 1-9, slide-on portion 1500may be used in conjunction with mounting system 1000 of FIGS. 10-13, asdiscussed below for mounting system 100, without departing from thescope hereof.

Slide-on portion 1500 allows a device, such as a near-eye displaydevice, mirror, light, camera, or other device, to releaseably attach toeither of mounting systems 100 or 1000, discussed above. Particularly,slide-on portion 1500 includes device attachment portion 1502 forattaching to the device (not shown), and magnet attachment portion 1504for releasably attaching to mounting system 100 by sliding onto magnethousing 310. Attachment portion 1502 as illustrated includes threeapertures 1501 for attaching the device thereon via screws, rivets, etc.It should be appreciated that device 1502 may include more or fewerapertures 1501 than illustrated, and/or may attach by other means suchas bonding, welding, gluing, etc.

Magnet attachment portion 1504 is adapted to slide onto magnet housing310, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Magnet attachment portion 1504 includesa magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal, such that magneticforces from magnet 312 keep magnet attachment portion in place. In analternate embodiment, a second magnet is embedded within magnetattachment portion 1504, made of plastic for example, such that magnet312 and the second magnet interact to provide the magnetic force forholding slide-on portion 1500 onto magnet housing 310. Once attached,slide-on portion 1500 is held in place via the magnetic force. Slide-onportion 1500 releases from housing 310 via pulling on slide-on portion1500. Removal of slide-on portion 1500 involves moving slide-on portion1500 in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the magnetic fieldlines. Therefore, slide-on portion 1500 may be removed with relativeease, while still allowing for a strong magnetic force 1800 forpreventing inadvertent removal.

Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departingfrom the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The followingclaims are intended to cover all generic and specific features describedherein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method andsystem, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting system having a length, width, andheight, for mounting a device onto a glasses frame, the mounting systemcomprising a frame attachment portion for removably attaching to theglasses frame including: a spring arm including a forward portion and arearward portion separated in the lengthwise direction, each of theforward and rearward portions (i) having two distal ends separated inthe height direction and (ii) attached at a post that applies pressureto the glasses frame from a first side of the glasses frame; a firstspring clip, for wrapping around the glasses frame in both the widthwiseand height directions, insertable into respective first and secondapertures within the forward portion; a second spring clip, for wrappingaround the glasses frame in both the widthwise and height directions,insertable into respective third and fourth apertures within the forwardportion; wherein, when inserted into the apertures, the spring clipsapply pressure from a second side of the glasses frame opposite thefirst side.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the spring arm isbent away from the glasses frame to pull the spring clips against theglasses frame.
 3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the spring armcomprises two bars connected by the post in the middle of each bar. 4.The mounting system of claim 2, further including pads at each distalend having pad apertures aligning to the apertures at each of the distalends.
 5. The mounting system of claim 4, wherein the spring clips insertinto respective pad apertures and apertures of the distal end, and thespring clips are resilient in the height direction such that at leastone of the pads apply pressure to a top surface of the glasses frame andat least one of the pads apply pressure to a bottom surface of theglasses frame.
 6. The mounting system of claim 1, further comprising amagnet housed in a magnet housing attached to one or more of the postand the spring arm.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: aslide-on portion having a device attachment portion for attaching to thedevice and a magnet attachment portion for attaching to the frameattachment portion.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the magnetattachment portion is adapted to slide onto the magnet housing.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the magnet applies a magnetic force to themagnet attachment portion to secure the slide-on portion onto the magnethousing.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is a near-eyedisplay system.